CAFCASS - Family Court Advisor - Bournemouth

Caritas Recruitment; St. Ives; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Caritas Recruitment Limited is recruiting a Family Court Adviser for Cafcass in Bournemouth on a temporary 12-week contract. The role focuses on advanced social work advice, safeguarding and court liaison to protect child welfare during family proceedings.

Ideal candidates will have SWE registration, at least 3 years’ post-qualifying experience in children and families, strong assessment and risk skills, and the ability to manage complex cases while working with multiple professionals.

Qualifications

• A recognised Social Work qualification.
• Social Work England registration.
• At least 3 years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families.
• Strong safeguarding and risk assessment experience.
• Excellent assessment, analysis and case management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The confidence to negotiate and communicate effectively in sensitive or high-conflict situations.
• Good IT and organisational skills.
• Previous experience within family court work would be beneficial, but strong statutory Children and Families Social Work experience will be particularly relevant.

Responsibilities

• Working directly with children and families within family court proceedings.
• Completing high-quality assessments and analysing complex information.
• Assessing risk, safeguarding and child welfare concerns.
• Providing professional advice and recommendations to the court.
• Ensuring the voice and welfare of the child remain central to your work.
• Managing complex and sensitive cases, including situations involving conflict.
• Working closely with families, courts and other professionals.
• Producing clear, evidence-based written work.
• Managing your own caseload and competing priorities effectively.

Skills

SWE registration

Assessment & analysis

Risk assessment

Court/child welfare experience

Written & verbal communication

Caseload management

IT skills

Ability to work under pressure

Stakeholder negotiation

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Family Court Adviser | Cafcass | Bournemouth

Please note that only Social Work England Registered Social Workers with Right to Work in the UK will be considered for this role, please do not apply if you are not a SWE Registered Social Worker who has the Right to Work in the UK.

Family Court Adviser | Cafcass | Bournemouth

Caritas Recruitment is looking for experienced Family Court Advisers to join Cafcass in Bournemouth on a temporary contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced Children and Families Social Workers looking to use their assessment, safeguarding and analytical skills within the family court environment, helping to ensure that children's welfare remains central to court decision-making.

The role

As a Family Court Adviser, you will provide advanced social work advice and support to children, families and the courts within family proceedings.

Responsibilities will include:

• Working directly with children and families within family court proceedings


• Completing high-quality assessments and analysing complex information


• Assessing risk, safeguarding and child welfare concerns


• Providing professional advice and recommendations to the court


• Ensuring the voice and welfare of the child remain central to your work


• Managing complex and sensitive cases, including situations involving conflict


• Working closely with families, courts and other professionals


• Producing clear, evidence-based written work


• Managing your own caseload and competing priorities effectively

What we're looking for

You will need:

• A recognised Social Work qualification


• Social Work England registration


• At least 3 years' post-qualifying experience working with children and families


• Strong safeguarding and risk assessment experience


• Excellent assessment, analysis and case management skills


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• The confidence to negotiate and communicate effectively in sensitive or high-conflict situations


• Good IT and organisational skills


• The ability to work effectively under pressurePrevious experience within family court work would be beneficial, but strong statutory Children and Families Social Work experience will be particularly relevant.

Contract details

Location: Bournemouth, BH7 7DS

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Temporary, initially 12 weeks

Target start date: 30 November 2026

IR35: Inside IR35

PAYE rate: £26.11 per hour

Limited/Umbrella rate: £35.50 per hour

Flexible working will be required to accommodate court appearances and office meetings.

This could be a particularly good opportunity for an experienced Children and Families Social Worker who is confident with complex assessment and safeguarding work and is interested in developing or continuing their experience within family court proceedings.